The unique challenges faced by students with exceptionalities in the grade level

 

 


1. Discuss the unique challenges faced by students with exceptionalities in the grade level (2nd grade) band you currently teach or are most interested in teaching. Describe how the overlapping concepts in the Professional Dispositions of Learners, Christian worldview, and CCCE College of Education Academic Program Competencies support educators in having a positive effect on these students.

 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll assume the grade level band is 2nd grade. The unique challenges faced by students with exceptionalities in this band often relate to developing foundational academic skills and social-emotional competencies. For instance, a student with a specific learning disability in reading (dyslexia) might struggle with decoding and phonics, falling behind their peers just as reading shifts from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Socially, a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder might face difficulties with peer communication and understanding social cues, leading to feelings of isolation.

 

Overlapping Concepts and Their Impact 🤝

 

The overlapping concepts from the Professional Dispositions of Learners, a Christian worldview, and the CCCE College of Education Academic Program Competencies provide a strong framework for educators to support these students.

Professional Dispositions of Learners: This framework emphasizes qualities like empathy, perseverance, and fairness. For a 2nd-grade student with an exceptionality, an empathetic teacher recognizes the student's frustration and celebrates small victories, which is crucial for building self-esteem. A persevering teacher continuously seeks out new strategies and resources, refusing to give up on a student who is struggling.

Christian Worldview: This perspective calls educators to see every student as an individual created in the image of God, worthy of dignity and respect. It encourages a focus on grace and unconditional love, which can be transformative for a student who feels different or "less than." This worldview fosters an environment where every student is valued, regardless of their academic or social challenges. It promotes a sense of hope and purpose for both the student and the educator.

CCCE College of Education Academic Program Competencies: These competencies focus on practical skills, such as differentiated instruction, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive teaching strategies. An educator who masters these competencies can move beyond simple empathy and create a truly supportive learning environment. They can use data to identify a student's specific needs, differentiate lessons to make them accessible, and integrate the student into the classroom community. For example, a teacher with a student who has an auditory processing disorder can use their knowledge to provide visual aids and repeat instructions, ensuring the student can fully participate.